It is my theme for this year. I usually have a word, I very rarely ever make resolutions but over and over I find myself saying, I do what I want.

It started as my response to the whole curated Instagram feed, using the same filter, getting professional pictures taken and the allgorythm that every Influenster talks about. It drives me nuts, so I just started posting whatever I want, whenever I want. There are definitely some sponsored posts, because money is money but for the most part I feel like people are here because they like to see glimpses of my life and that’s where they connect with me.

Cut to the last couple of weeks and me sharing more of my yoga. I stopped for a while because sometimes the creepers can get obnoxious and it’s exhausting blocking people and getting unsolicited penis pictures. 🙄

However, I posted last week and almost all of my messages were from women. All kinds of women across the country, women with bodies like mine and some not, but every message was encouraging. It was that they were inspired or happy to what could be accomplished with some dedicated practice and to see someone who looks like me doing yoga. That’s the moment I decided to do what I want. I decided that the few creepers I have to block is nothing compared to the women I’m inspiring and encouraging.

I practice in shorts or underwear because I’m at home and it’s comfortable. If you take my Sunday class, I’ll have on pants, but again, I do what I want- I’m at home.

Please don’t let the little squares on Instagram fool you, I am not a small girl. If you know me in real life, you know the curves go on for days. The fact that I can get all that ass off the ground and over my head is not something I take lightly. Doing yoga has been this wonderful, freeing, learning what my body can do type thing for me and I am enjoying sharing my journey with you. Hopefully showing you that size, shape, age doesn’t matter, everyone can do it - if they want to.

You will see me, in my short-shorts practicing & pushing the limits of my body. I post for accountability and documentation of progress and because I do what I want. 😉

This is for my fellow Type A, OCD people and everyone else who does not subscribe to my make a list philosophy. I have found what I think to be a happy medium of Super OCD (insert my face) and F*ck it all!

If you tuned out when I said list, let me bring you back. This “Every Effin’ Day” is easy! Like nothing on this list should take more than 10 minutes. If it does, it does not belong on this particular list. If you can’t possibly see yourself doing it after working an 8 hour day, then don’t put it on this list. Now that your are back with me, let’s talk about the goal.

The ultimate goal of this list is to accomplish 5 or 6 things EVERY EFFIN’ DAY to improve the quality of your life in small but impactful ways. Even if you have a mostly crap day, there are 5 or 6 things that you have accomplished and so this day is not a complete wash. And if we are getting deeper in to the phycological part of this, the most effective way to change your life/habits is to do something small each and Every Effin’ Day!

How To Get Started:

· You can do this on your phone, but I love post-it notes! It is the perfect size to fit your 5 items and you can stick it somewhere you will see it. Mirror, dashboard, computer, back of your phone.

· Write your 5 or 6 things down.

· Do Them!

That’s it! What 5 or 6 things are you doing ‘Every Effin’ Day”?

What is the smallest possible action that will make you feel like you’re on top of it?

What is the smallest possible action that will make your space feel less stressful?

Examples: make your bed, run the vacuum for 5 minutes, open the window while getting ready to get some fresh air, lint roll your furniture, throw away junk mail on the table.

What is the smallest possible action that will make your feel healthier. Examples: drink 2 glasses of water, eat a fruit/veggie, stretch 5 minutes before bed, add a daily vitamin.

What is the smallest possible action that will make you feel better emotionally? Examples: give a compliment, look at facebook memories, send a text to someone you don’t talk to all the time, take 5 deep breaths, listen to your favorite song.

These are just examples because maybe drinking water and eating vegetables are a no brainer for you. Maybe you make your bed every single day. The goal should be specific to you, just you and the overall goal of incorporating new habits and feeling like you’ve accomplished something Every Effin’ Day!

Wondering what’s on my list:

· Drink 1 bottle of water before I have coffee. Sounds super simple, but honestly I fail most days! I am mostly made of coffee.

· Read something for 10 minutes that is not on a screen. Book, newspaper (yes, actual real hard copy newspaper).

· Engage with 3 posts on Instagram.

· Make my bed (again it’s so simple but something I struggle to do every day).

· Give a compliment to someone (I do this a lot, especially in an office full of new people).

· Pick out clothes for the next day (mine and the little boy)

None of this is earth shattering and could really all be done in about 45 minutes, but that’s the point. It should be easy, almost too easy to get done. You want to accomplish it EVERY EFFIN’ DAY!

Rack Room Shoes has great sales and sometimes you can even catch a BOGO (restrictions apply)!

Since the store in my area has opened, it is my go-to destination for budget-friendly footwear. This holiday season, my kids are wearing all the fun, trendy athletic styles.

If you head over to my Instagram page, you have a chance to win a $100 gift card to shop at Rack Room. The give away will be live on 12/1/2018 and close on 12/7/2018. Winner announced via Instagram and chosen at random.

My family ditched cable about 2 years ago and we don’t miss it (or our favorite shows) at all.

Using Chromecast, which is designed to make the most of the entertainment apps we already know and love and use on our devices.

All together now, each of us can watch our favorites using our devices. How does it work?

Stream from your phone to TVPlug Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV and to power and stream your favorite entertainment right from your phone with just a tap. Watch shows, listen to playlists, and more. Don’t worry, while streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do.

Find your favorite entertainment apps at g.co/chromecast/

Then, start streaming with just your voice, like this: say - “Ok Google, play Sex in the City on HBO Now on my living room TV.”

Chrimecast is so affordable you can get one for every TV in the house. High-speed wireless connectivity, buil-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connects to the Internet through your wireless home network (wireless router required and sold separately).

It seems everyone is using insta stories these days and one of the features is adding your location. If you are a business, creative or just want your own personalized location, here’s how:

1. Make sure Facebook and Instagram apps are updated.

2. Go to Facebook app and “check in”. Type in your business, blog or whatever name you want. It will then ask you to pick the category and location. You will then “add custom location”. That is basically “registering” the name you’ve chosen.

2. Open the Instagram app and search your custom location. That’s it!

A couple of tips:

* it works better if your location service is on.

*You should pick an actual name and not something in appropriate or Facebook will kick it back.

These are some easy ways to help fight hunger. If you follow me on social media, you know (or maybe came to) my free yoga class. Instead of paying for the class, all of the participants brought a items to donate. We collected a bag full of soup, pancake mix, potatoes, carrots, Mac and cheese and donated all of it at a drop off location near my house. It was so easy to take action for September and you can too!

I just found a way to get cute photos from my phone in a snap! Found on Amazon KiiPix is so easy to use. No batteries, blue tooth or cords needed.

How do you do it;

Simply open KiiPix

Place your phone on top

Push the button and turn the knob to watch KiiPix turn memories into physical, sharable photos to give to friends and family

Take it anywhere! Compact size folds flat

I admit it took me a couple of tries to get it right, but when I followed these directions, it was easy! So, when printing: make sure your screen lock is on and that you turn your phone’s brightness all the way up. Align the KiiPix frame to your phone and then place on top of KiiPix. Use the reflective mirror to make sure the photo is lined up the way you want it.

Suggested Retail: $39.99 (film not included—printer uses Instax Mini Film) and it would make a perfect gift!

Rack Room shoes just opened near me and the timing was perfect! My kiddos start school this week and school shoe shopping is something on that check list. Shopping for shoes for a family of 4 can get pretty expensive, but again Rack Room to the rescue! They are always having a sale or special going, so picking up 4 pair in 1 night didn't break the bank!

Some of you have seen my children and you know they are pretty giant kids, so we don't get to save money buying "kids shoes". They need adult sized and Rack Room has all of their favorite brands - mine too! We ended up with 2 pairs of NIke, a pair of Vans and Converse!

I spent about 30 minutes looking at the wall of Converse and with all the colors, I still ending up choosing white.

Head to Rack Room to see what sale they have and you'll be able to get all your back to school shoe shopping done in one place. If you have picky kids like I do, this is a major accomplishment. If you know the sizes and want to avoid the store all together, their online selection is just as great and sales still apply! Currently, buy one get one 50% off and that just can't be beat!

I am not sure it gets much better than spending a Saturday morning, climbing over obstacles, trudging through mud pits and swinging on ropes - oh, unless you get to do it with your Mom and torture your sister too! This past weekend was the Kids Challenge Obstacle race and it was pure Nirvana for my boy.

The course is built for kids who have a sense of adventure! The course race series is designed for kids ages 5-16, with 13-15 fun and challenging obstacles and mud. Even though it says it's for kids, some of the hills were quite the challenge for the adults too. Don't worry, there are plenty of water stations at the front and throughout the course and always the option to skip an obstacle if you want. All of the obstacles are doable with little to no help from parents. My kiddo was very proud that he did all of the obstacles with no help from me. Such a fun way to spend some family time, while being out and active! After running jumping and climbing your way through the obstacles, you end with a fun slide down into MUD! You can get REALLY muddy or not so much - the choice is yours. If you happen to get really muddy, you'll need to hit the rise station at the end of the course.

A few tips:

*Wear snug fitting clothes, maybe in a moisture wicking fabric. Big cotton t-shirt will get caught in some of the obstacles and really carry around that mud and water

*Trail shoes if you have them, if not a pair of old tennis shoes you don't mind not being able to keep. If you decide not to keep them, there is a place to donate them to charity

*Get there 45 minutes early. It will give you time to check in, take pictures, stretch and get a little water before the race starts.

*HAVE FUN! That's the whole point of doing such family fun thing is to enjoy every minute of it with the kids.

The Kids Obstacle Challenge is the largest touring adventure and obstacle course event series for kids in the nation! Every participant received a backpack that you could fill with some snacks and few other freebies, as well as a finisher medal. And the best part is, it's a FAMILY adventure - parents get to run with their kids for free!

Visit https://www.kidsobstaclechallenge.com to see when the race is headed to your city!

Every single time I’m on TV, people tell me- you are a natural on television, you should have your own show.

Every single time I write or vlog or teach a yoga class, I hear it again. You are a natural, you should do this full time. I’m not too bad at my day job either. Somehow talking to angry parents, wrangling principals and solving problems is a skill set I’ve gotten the hang of this past year.

I happen to be capable of lots of things and I’m not sure why people think you should only do one thing.

As much as I admire people who go all in, quit their job and chase their dreams, I am not built that way. I have to deal in my reality and reality is that bills need to be paid. There is still some massive financial fallout from my divorce. Those 3 children that are my whole world, they are expensive! They need all kinds of stuff: a place to live, lights, hot water, a car to drive back and forth to college, clothing, medicine for asthma, insurance, therapy for anxiety that I insurance doesn’t cover and we won’t even talk about what my grocery bill looks like because basically I breed giant humans.

I can’t live in an online fantasy world, where sponsored posts and TV segments and yoga classes fully support my family. To be honest, my day job (s) funds my Dream!

I read and study a lot. Every single piece of millionaire advice references multiple streams of income. Take a look at any business person that you admire and you will see they have several businesses.

I haven’t quit my job because I just can’t get caught up in thinking struggling to work for myself is the only way. Why struggle if I don’t have to? Why borrow money? Why make it so hard? Full time entrepreneurship is difficult and because of my previous life choices (marriage/divorce/debit/credit repair/single Mom of3) I can’t just throw caution to the wind and chase my dreams. Instead, I keep my day job, use my time wisely, my body on needs about 6 hours of sleep and still chase my dreams all while having a roof over my head and taking care of my children.

The goal is not 1 slowly dissolving project or 1 product or yoga studio or TV show or book that takes off. The goal is always multiple streams of income, following all of my passions and sharing my story along the way.

There are several ways to follow your dreams, so don’t let people on the internet (including me) have you believing that struggling entrepreneur, jump off a cliff, all or nothing is the only way.

I have a lot of passions and several dreams to chase, but even Superman had a day job.

Here’s why you won’t see any posts dedicated to “my guy”, me “booed up” or anything about my love life.

1. It’s none of your business. Which is the most odd thing for me to say. This girl, who openly shares so much about her life. I am purposely choosing not to share that part.

2. I don’t always know what I’m doing. Listen, I said “to death do us part” to my ex-husband and neither of us is dead. So... I would prefer to take my L’s in private. What does forever really mean? Honestly? My current life philosophy: “Everything ends, every single relationship you will ever have in your lifetime is going to end. I’ll die, you’ll die, you’ll get tired of each other. You don’t always know how it’s going to happen, but it is always going to happen. So stop trying to make everything permanent, it doesn’t work. I want you to go out there and find some nice man you have no intention of spending the rest of your life with. You can be very, very happy with people you aren’t going to marry.”

3. For his sake. It is my choice to be a “public figure” I don’t think he should have to have his privacy invaded because of how I post. To be honest, this was a lesson I learned in my last relationship. I posted a lot of our comings and going and him being a good guy in general and that still ended. Not that I regret our time together or the posts, because it was a significant chunk of my life; but somethings should just be for us.

4. The way some of y’all are set up, you are still following him (my ex-boyfriend) and we haven’t been together in more than 2 years. So...yeah, it’s kind of set up for other women who don’t care about your relationship to find & reach out to him. If you are posting how good he is to you, the next woman is wondering if he would be just as good her. #RealTalk

5. So much of what people post is flat out bullshit or make believe. Seriously, I can show you a screen shot right now of a girl who posted her #ManCrushMonday and a screen shot of her "man" in my DM, about an hour later AND every other day after that. So what these men are not about to do is have me out here looking stupid. For example: I’m in a relationship, but he is out here acting real, real single. #ThatAintItChief

6. Yes, I date; my relationship(s) are for me, not for social media. I don’t post him because I’m with him in real life. At some point you have to decide is this for us or for everyone to see. Let me be the first to tell you, not everyone is wishing you well and someone may know something you don’t and is more than happy to share that with you when they realize “he’s your man”. If you feel like your relationship needs social media validation, then that’s probably a different discussion.

7. Be clear, my relationship(s) are private, not secret - HUGE difference. If you see us out, I (we) will say hello and continue on with our day. I’m not going to go hide under a table because I see someone I (we) know.

For now, there are pictures but they stay on our camera rolls.

Also, for the record, I am happily ”auditioning” ... but unless you happen to see us out, you won’t know who he/they are. You may see an occasional “we” or a post where it is obvious I am not alone, but you won’t see any “look how in love we are” selfies. You won’t see him tagged and you won’t see his actual face where you can dive into his DM. Or where you can dive into my DM and spill tea about him.

Oh, and before you go looking through my social media feed - the dudes that comment the most are the ones trying to get my attention and probably not him/them. He/they are probably looking at the “read all” comment section and laughing, just like he/they do when we are out and guys trip over themselves to look at me.

This is MY dating philosophy, based on this dating after 40, divorced, single Mom experience. If you have something working for you, by all means, do you but if you are new and want some advice...this blog is my advice of how to move. Because... #TheseHoes in my Drake voice.

I’m going gray...fast andI am letting my gray grow out, again!Depending on how long you’ve been following me, I’ve tried it a couple times before. The first time when I decided to ditch my relaxer and go with the natural hair movement; and again when I chopped all my hair off to donate to Locks of Love.I am trying again. Coloring it has become almost an every 2 week process and sometimes it doesn't even last that long. There are weeks it gets colored and more often then not, the next morning there is a gray shinning bright and I’m kind of over it. I’ve had gray hair since I was in high school, so as much as I would love to blame my age or children for it, I’m pretty sure it’s just genetic. It’s also a trait I’ve seemed to passed on to my 18 year old son, who already has gray hair, sorry kid!

My gray doesn't seem to be growing in a graceful, sprinkling throughout my head, it seems to be growing down. Almost completely white at the roots and then black! I haven’t colored my hair in 6 weeks, so that black may just be left over color, I'm not sure. I have been transitioning with braids, letting my gray roots show and added some gray to the braids.I’m a little too vain to just let it grow out and look crazy. Y’all know that’s not going down, like ever!It will likely stay braided or weaved up until I grow the gray out to a place I like.

You also know how I get bored and/or impatient so I could throw it all away and die it back to black or chop all the color off and have a super short all gray pixie. You just never know, but for now, here’s to being gorgeous and gray.

I am so excited to be a partner with Harvesters this year. Their mission to feed the hungry and the food insecure right here in KC is something close to my heart. I can tell you first hand that I have seen those who are food insecure and how that affects their everyday lives, especially children. I can't think of a better way to help, than giving money to an organization that does so much for those in need of food. From back snacks at schools, to food pantries to fresh fruit and veggies and soup kitchen, Harvesters does so much to make sure those who are food insecure have options.

The Forks & Corks event is the best way to Eat, Drink and FEED PLENTY! A night of great food, drinks, music and people. You will have a chance to eat sample food from some of the best chefs in the area, crafted cocktails and dance the nigh away - all with people who are all there to raise money for a great cause.

I had a chance to go to the preview party and sample some of the vendors and you will not want to miss it! Use code: DISCOUNT20 to get tickets at http://forkscorkskc.com/ Hurry before they sell out! Because they do every year!

My children and I just experienced the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters game! So fun, full of action, music and non-stop family fun.

I have fond memories of my cousins and I attending Globetrotters games and loving every second of it. This was no different, well other than we were sitting court side! Sitting that close to the action, giving the players high-fives, getting the coach a cup of water is an experience that my children won't ever forget.

Opening with the nostalgic "Sweet Georgia Brown" and ball tricks, to throwing water in the crowd to climbing on top of the goal, the Globetrotters put on an unforgettable show!

Just in case, you think you've seen it all before, they've introduced the "Flying Globies" a group of talented athletes who use trampolines to do some high flying, acrobat type dunking!!! So cool and the perfect addition to the show.

I love that they include local school groups and talent between quarters and half time. The end of the game, all fans have a chance to come down to the court to get autographs for free, definitely something you would pay for at other events.

It's show you need to catch when it comes to town. If you are getting tickets, you can SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM

I'll be honest. My New Years Eve plans usually consist of me in pajamas, playing games with the kids, baking and watching various year in review from my couch. Just in case this year is different, I partnered with Swap.com to get this dress!

Little Black (glitter) Party Dress!

Cute, right?! Black and glittery, you really just can't go wrong. Swamp.com is an online consignment shop. It has millions of items - literally. Some of the clothes are new, a ton of them brand names and toys too. It has become my new go to find affordable holiday items for the whole family. My last shopping haul included Hollister jeans, Loft skirt, Play Station games and Addidas leggings. All name brands, all for under $50 plus free shipping.

Don't just take my word for it. Head to Swap.com and see for yourself. It is the perfect place to find yourself a party dress or clothes for a family photo shoot.

Ready to shop? Use my code:

25HOLIDAYCHEER for 25% off your purchase (for new shoppers) and my code expires 12/31/2017 - so get to shopping!

*Disclosure: I was compensated for my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

For the first time ever, Worlds of Fun has opened their gates for winter fun! And by winter, I almost mean summer because it was 75 degrees yesterday when we visited.

The park is decorated with thousands of lights and a 7foot Christmas Tree that is gets "turn on" via the giant switch every night at 5:30. So many lights with different themed and hundreds of photo opportunities for that perfect holiday card. There are shows every hour with all your favorite songs, rides, ice skating, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, rides and so much more!

The ice skating and cookie decorating are extra, but the giant cookies and the sweetest Mrs. Claus ever are well worth it! *pro-Mom tip, decorate the cookies at the very end or at least when you are finished with the rides, because they come in a box that you will have to carry around! Tickets for admission start at $25, but you can purchase other tickets that are all inclusive and have meals too. *pro-Mom tip - buy online and save a little money, especially on parking.

There are so many characters waling around and wanting to take pictures, quite a few rides open and all of Snoopy's Play Place and cool petting zoo. I would say it's best to get there as close to 5 o'clock as possible. That way you could do the merry go round or another ride and be right up front for the tree lighting at 5:30. It's fun for all ages and not to missed this year!

*Disclosure: I was given tickets for admission, but all thoughts are mine as always. If you have any doubts about if it's worth, my 18 year old (who doesn't like much of anything) said it was fun!!!

It's been bugging me for a while and since this is where I write and tell you how I'm feeling, here it goes. I am not sure when the "I'm a hot mess Mom" started to mean you are a real Mom,but it doesn't and it's pretty annoying. Stop it.When did not combing your hair and wearing pajamas in public mean you are a good Mom who's keeping it real? In fact, I believe it means you need to reevaluate your life and it's kind of a flip off to those of us who work really hard to keep things together. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely days when I don't have it together,when kids act crazy,when I'm struggling with balancing it all,but never does that mean that can't be bothered to put on pants to go to the grocery store.

Am I TV ready Mom that you see on Fox 4 twice a month, the perfect make up Mom, wearing stilettos to work Mom, Pinterest perfect decorated, spotless house Mom, no.

I am however, doing my hair, putting on some lip gloss and getting my kids to school on time with a packed lunch, making dinner, throwing the dishes in the dishwasher and helping with homework, taking them to practice, making a to-do list and getting shit done Mom.

I think we've somehow we've gotten off track by watching the viral Facebook videos of the Moms guzzling wine and calling their kids assholes.

Again, yes, my children can be a pain in ass and sometimes they make you want to drink; but come on. That in no way makes you a more real Mom. There are so many women I know who would give anything to be a Mom, who waited and prayed and hoped for their babies. There has to be a balance between the two.

Perfect Mom no, I am not, there are so many failures on my part, it would require another blog. Hot ass mess Mom, nope, not that either.

I get up 30 minutes before my kids, so I can have my coffee (no one wants to know me without my coffee), I stay up 30 minutes later sometimes to practice my yoga or eat brownies in the peace and quiet or veg out and watch Friends for the millionth time. It's called balance and making this Mom thing a priority - even when it's difficult.

Take off those damn pajama pants, roll your face in a little makeup and get it together. Show your children you can handle being their Mom and have your own goals/life and not be a hot mess.

Listen, it was on my bucket list (or my 40 List as I’ve been calling it). It sounded like a really great idea when I signed up for it. I am so glad I did it, but listen. Don’t do what I did, sign up for it and do it 2 weeks later with zero preparedness.

If you’re going to do it, plan better and here’s what you need to do:

1. Cardio, cardio and maybe another day of cardio. The race in KC was at Snow Creek (ya, know, snow creek where people ski and therefore there would be ski hills to climb). I read that part, but didn’t really pay attention. Not only was this race at Snow Creek, it started by climbing a ski hill. Like, that was the start. Like, before all obstacles. Like, right out of the gate. Like, it almost fucking killed me! There were several hills through the whole damn race, so, do your cardio!

2. Buy some trail shoes. In my head, I was never doing this again, so I thought I would be fine wearing my old shoes and donating them at the end of the race(which I did and they do wonderful, charitable things with them). My old tennis shoes did not have nearly enough grip on them and the see-saw obstacle, I couldn’t even climb on without slipping and face planting. So, if you’re going to do it, hop over to Amazon and pick up a pair of trail running shoes, they’re like $20.

3. Do it with a friend or maybe even a group. Some of the obstacles you will likely need a boost, so having a strong friend is helpful. A group would be even better to help pull, push and encourage you too.

4. Sign up for an early time. The earlier, the less tracked through the course is, the weather maybe a little cooler. I went at noon – dumb, don’t do that. It was hot and there were some deeper holes from where other people had already run. Not the end of the world, but ya, know just trying to make it easier (and I am being very loose with the word easy).

5. Where tight fitted clothing and quick dry material if you can. If you’re a girl with curves, a pair of pants with a drawstring to keep them up, also helpful. Because when you’re waist deep in mud and getting your ass caught on barbed wire, you are going to at least want your pants to stay up. I’d say a tank top, so your sleeves don’t get caught on barbed wire or other obstacles, but if you’re afraid of getting scrapped, maybe long sleeves, but also maybe you shouldn’t be doing this race.

6. You need to Pack: bug spray, sun screen, Advil (there will be pain, there will be bruises) and allergy medicine! Not sure what I encountered, but it sent my outdoor allergies into hyper drive! Towels, wipes, change of clothes and shoes. If I had been thinking, a disposable camera would have been fun, but they provide a ton of free photos from the pro-photogs along the course.

All and all it is something I am glad I did at least once. It did not turn me into an addict and leave me with this burning desire to do it again and again, but I would consider doing it again with a group of people or with couples…that would require me to have a boyfriend and friends that have boyfriends/spouses, but I digress.

I did feel strong and capable and accomplished when it was over. I was impressed with myself crawling through the muck, because if you know me in real life, I don’t do dirt and mud for real! The biggest take away for me in this race is it restored my belief in humanity. Odd to say of a mud run, but it really did. Perfect strangers helping others and cheering each other on. When I climbed the tall wooden wall (not sure what it’s called) I freaked. It was way taller than I was prepared for, it was shaky and I climbed to the top and could not talk myself down the other side – enter Captain America. Not really Captain America, but he was wearing the shirt and that’s what I called him. He climbed up and said you can do it, you’ve got it – here, I’ll help you, let me help you! I mean, I could have just cried right there, but that wouldn’t be very maniac like of me! He (and other random strangers) were just so kind and encouraging and we could all use a little kindness that right there is reason enough to do the Rugged Maniac.

In staring my new job (and not being able to be so casual), I’ve was feeling stressed. Not sure why, since I’m not big on keeping a lot of stuff around, but my closet was becoming the exception to that rule. So much stuff, but nothing to wear!

I discovered:

Project 333

3 months 33 items of clothing

Yes, really. I thought it was extreme and then I started to pair it down. Before we talk about how I got to my 33, take a look at the some descriptions:

What is a ‘capsule wardrobe”: In the 1970s, London boutique owner Susie Faux coined the term "capsule wardrobe" to describe a minimal wardrobe composed of 30 to 40 high-quality, versatile items that will meet your needs for a given time amount of time.

*Helpful hint: when using google to get some inspiration for your wardrobe, be specific. If you just google “capsule wardrobe” you will likely get the 20-something fashionista version. That will include short shorts, hooker heels and dresses for clubbin’…etc. None of those things work for my life, so google capsule wardrobe and include your age or occupation or curvy or winter or all black…that will point you in a more realistic version.

· What not: these items are not counted as part of the 33 items – wedding ring or another sentimental piece of jewelry that you never take off, underwear, sleep wear, in-home lounge wear, and workout clothing (you can only wear your workout clothing to workout)

I started with my t-shirts. I do love a good t-shirt, I have been known take them from friends and buy one at every concert and out of town trip. But there are some that just needed to go. I had (literally) 25 tshirts from my gym. In my defense, I work there part time and need a logo shirt for work, but 25 is probably a little much.

I created my donate pile when I really needed to do laundry. Why? Because the things I truly wear every week are in the laundry basket. The stuff in my closet, I clearly haven’t worn all week, maybe not all month.

I gave away the just in case I gain weight clothes, I gave away the just in case I get really skinny clothes and the shorts I bought on vacation that I never planned on wearing again and every other piece of clothing that was in bad shape (torn, missing buttons…etc). After that, turns out I didn’t have as much as I thought I did.

I started today (September 1st) and will document my outfit daily. I’m curious to see if anyone notices, I doubt they will, seeing as how I wear the same things all of the time anyway. To make it a bit easier to start, I’ve decided to go with the seasonal plan, since I’m in Kansas and the weather can change by the hour. Here is a Head-To-Toe Wardrobe Capsule Guide from The Refinery (http://www.therefinery.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/head-to-toe-wardrobe-capsule.pdf) it helped guide me in my choices.

I already feel less stressed about what to wear tomorrow for work and if nothing else, it’s worth this current peace and contentment that I feel right now.

There’s a ton of people already doing this, you can see their stuff by searching or using the Hashtag: #Project333